JUNE 2002 Newsletter
Issue 19:3
Lyle Paul - Agronomist
David Lindgren - Farm Foreman14509 University Rd.
Shabbona, Il 60550
Phone/Fax 815/824-2029
e-mail lylepaul@illinois.edu
COLLEGE of AGRICULTURAL, CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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JUNE 2002 NewsletterIssue 19:3
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2002 Weather Data:
| March | April | May | |
| Air Temperature Average (F°) | |||
| Monthly Average High | 41.4 | 60.5 | 67.7 |
| Monthly Average Low | 19.4 | 40.7 | 46.5 |
| Daily Average | 30.0 | 50.5 | 57.6 |
| 35 Year Daily Average | |||
| Departure from Average | +6.2 | +1.3 | |
| Observed High (date) | 61.4 (14) | 95.2 (18) | 89.5 (30) |
| Observed Low (date) | -16.9 (4) | 21.1 (1) | 32.1 (21) |
2002 Precipitation (Inches)
Month |
Total |
Departure from Average |
Total Year Accumulation |
Total Departure |
| January | 0.52 | -1.05 | 0.52 | -1.05 |
| February | 1.04 | -0.42 | 1.56 | -1.48 |
| March | 1.26 | -1.20 | 2.82 | -2.67 |
| April | 3.11 | -0.12 | 5.93 | -2.79 |
| May | 4.64 | +0.73 | 10.57 | -2.06 |
2002 Growing Degree Days (Base 50)
| Month | GDD | 25 Yr. Ave. | Departure | 4/15 to EOM | Ave. YTD | Departure |
| April (15-30) | 152.4 | 107.2 | +45.2 | 152.4 | 107.2 | +45.2 |
| May | 327.0 | 383.9 | -56.9 | 479.4 | 491.1 | -11.7 |
Unusual Weather: It seems that every year, talk is about unusual weather. Planting started at the Research Center on April 6 under cool conditions. The hot days of April 15 to 18 made everyone think that corn planting time and weather had really arrived. Nearly 2/3 of the GDD for April 15-30 were received in that 4 day period.
After the hot temperatures, the weather quickly reverted to the cool type weather that was the case earlier. Temperatures through the first 2/3 of May were cooler than normal and crop progress was very slow. With the recorded temperature of near freezing on May 21, it was probably just as well that the crop was no further along than it was. The near 32 degree temperature was measured at the 2 meter height. Conditions nearer the soil surface were even colder as there was frozen water in some areas. Some of the corn and soybeans that were the most advanced that day were killed by the freezing temperatures. Both corn and soybean are able to take some cold temperatures, but these temperatures were just too cold for them. The early emerged corn and soybean stands were reduced 10 to 90% by the cold temperatures.
Growing degree accumulation for May was 85% of normal. By the end of May, the season was behind normal and slow plant growth was typical.
Rainfall came in bunches. On May 11-12, 2.55 inches fell, 1.19 inches fell from May 15 to May 25, halting planting until May 27. On June 3-4, 3.15 inches fell. After June 4th, there has been a total of 0.17 inches of rain on 4 different days until the 26th. The hot temperatures after June 15 has lead to more rapid crop growth. Soybeans are still somewhat slow to take off with beans planted on May 7 still only at V-2 to V-3 as of the 26th of June.
Weed Control Tour: The annual tour will be held on Thursday, July 11. The tour, which begins at 5:00 p.m., will provide participants with the opportunity to see the latest developments in new herbicides and herbicide combinations.
The event will include comparisons of different herbicides and cultural methods for controlling weeds, as well as genetic developments in weed control with modified corn and soybean crops.
Christy Sprague, weed scientist with U of I Extension, will discuss the general lay out and observations on several different studies. Graduate students, Becky Bierman, Jeff Bunting, Ryan Hasty, Kurt Maertens, and Kristel Reiling are scheduled to discuss their research at the center this year and report some of the results of previous years. There are more than 40 weed control studies being conducted at the Research Center in 2002.
This will be an excellent opportunity to evaluate and compare herbicides and other
control measures for effectiveness, timing, crop tolerance and proper management
practices. The different treatments will be identified and participants will be
able to see the results as well as ask questions on what they are seeing.
The Afton 4-H Club will have a light supper available after the tour. Anyone interested
in weed control is invited to attend this program. Certified Crop Advisor credits
have been applied for.
The Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center is located one mile east of Shabbona on Route 30, then five miles north on University Road. A small map is located at the web site listed above. In case of rain, the program will be held inside. For further information, give us a call or e-mail.
Upcoming In-Depth Workshops:
Field Crop Insects & Exotic Species
July 24 8:30 - Noon
Dr. Kevin Steffey & Dr. Rob Wiedenmann will discuss the many different insects that are a factor to our field crops and also the different weed species that have become invasive in Illinois and are presently growing in our area.
Crop diseases- Details still in process- August 14 morning program.
For complete details and to register for either of these programs, contact the
Quad Cities Extension Center - 309-792-2500. If you let us know, we can provide
you with a copy of the registration form for the first session. Advance registration
is required.
Remaining University of Illinois Research Center Field Days